US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is on a visit to Ukraine, demonstrating the United States’ commitment to supporting Kyiv just two weeks before a US presidential election that is creating uncertainty regarding future assistance from western nations.
This marks Mr. Austin’s fourth trip, which will feature comprehensive discussions on American initiatives to bolster Ukraine’s defenses as Russian forces continue their advance in the east.
However, it is unlikely that this visit will result in any agreement addressing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s most significant demands, such as removing restrictions on using US-supplied weapons to target areas beyond Ukraine’s borders.
As President Biden’s administration approaches its conclusion, Mr. Austin emphasized the ongoing American support for Ukraine.
“We’ve observed this fight evolve over time. And with each change, we have stepped up to meet [Ukraine’s] needs, ensuring they remain effective on the battlefield.”
His visit occurs just ahead of the US presidential election on November 5, where former president Donald Trump, the Republican candidate, is vying for re-election in a closely contested race against Democratic candidate Vice President Kamala Harris.
Mr. Trump has indicated that he might be less willing than President Biden to continue backing Ukraine, which could significantly impact Kyiv’s primary military and financial support.
Mr. Austin downplayed concerns, noting the bipartisan support for Ukraine among both Republicans and Democrats in the US Congress.
“Over the past 2.5 years, I’ve witnessed bipartisan support for Ukraine, and I fully expect that to continue from Congress,” he stated.
I’m back in Ukraine for the fourth time as Secretary of Defense, demonstrating that the United States, alongside the international community, continues to stand by Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/0gCwAqqEpK
— Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) October 21, 2024
The retired general has been one of Ukraine’s most ardent supporters, rallying a coalition of dozens of nations that have provided Ukraine with weaponry, enabling it to deliver severe setbacks to Moscow’s forces.
One US defense official, speaking anonymously, claimed that 600,000 Russian troops have been killed or injured in Ukraine, with September marking the month with the highest fatalities and injuries.
Nonetheless, Russian President Vladimir Putin appears willing to commit increasing forces to a costly offensive in eastern Ukraine’s Donbas region, which he aims to capture entirely.
Recently, Russia has encircled towns in the Donetsk region, gradually tightening its grip until Ukrainian units are compelled to retreat.
“It’s a very tough fight, and it’s a challenging slog,” Mr. Austin remarked.
Vladimir Putin is determined to capture the crucial city of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Ukraine is striving to keep the war at the forefront of western nations’ minds, even as escalating conflicts in the Middle East draw international attention.
President Zelensky met with Mr. Austin at NATO headquarters in Brussels last Thursday, where he presented his “victory plan.”
The Ukrainian leader received assurances of ongoing support but did not gain backing from key allies for his appeal for an immediate NATO membership invitation.
When asked about Mr. Zelensky’s victory plan at NATO headquarters on Friday, Mr. Austin replied: “It’s not my role to publicly assess his plan.”
Experts suggest that Ukraine may need to make difficult decisions regarding the deployment of its stretched fighting forces, including whether to retain control over territory it seized in Russia’s Kursk region during an unexpected offensive this summer.
The Kursk offensive took Mr. Austin and the US government by surprise. Ukraine hoped it would take the initiative away from Russia on the battlefield by diverting Moscow’s forces from the eastern front.
However, President Putin remains focused on capturing the strategic city of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine, which is a vital logistics hub for Kyiv’s military efforts.
Despite billions of dollars in US military support, encompassing the provision of F-16 fighter jets, Abrams tanks, and more, Ukraine faces a significant battle ahead.
While the invasion has impacted Russia’s economy, increased its diplomatic isolation, and strained its military, Moscow “is not ready to give up,” a senior US defense official commented.
“This situation places a considerable burden on the Ukrainians,” the official added.
59 Russian drones overnight – Ukraine military
Russia launched multiple waves of drone assaults on the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, for the second consecutive night, damaging residential structures and injuring at least one civilian, according to Ukrainian authorities.
In a separate missile attack on Zaporizhzhia in southeastern Ukraine, one civilian was killed, and 14 others were injured, local officials reported.
The Ukrainian military stated that air defenses shot down 59 out of 116 Russian drones launched overnight while losing track of 45 drones that likely fell within its territory.
“Another night, another worry,” said Serhiy Popko, head of Kyiv’s military administration, on social media.
“The enemy does not lessen the intensity of air assaults on Ukraine and Kyiv.”
The military reported hits on civilian infrastructure.
Air raid alerts in Kyiv persisted for over five hours before the air force declared the skies clear early this morning.
A separate attack on Kryvyi Rih in eastern Ukraine resulted in five injuries and damage to multiple buildings.
These strikes were preceded by Russian attacks on Kyiv and other cities yesterday, which left 17 individuals wounded.
Both nations deny targeting civilians in a conflict that commenced when Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.
